"Lord Hodman, have your men board the ships. Though we don't know where these warships came from, there's a large vessel trailing behind them. Judging by the situation, the people aboard must hold significant status.
Moreover, we could use two heavily armed warships as a precaution. I'll need a squad to accompany me for the boarding operation."
Uncertain whether the warships carried any formidable fighters, Rosen opted for a cautious approach—leading a squad rather than acting alone.
If he were tied down by an enemy powerhouse, their pirate ships and transport vessels, lacking firepower, would struggle against two warships. Even if they could hold their own, losing one or two transports would cripple their retreat. But with reinforcements, seizing the warships remained feasible even if he was occupied.
Regardless, since the enemy had come knocking, they had to be dealt with swiftly. Getting bogged down would spell disaster for Rosen's forces.
Boom!
Another pirate ship sank as they spoke. Most pirate ships paled in comparison to warships—not just in size, but in firepower. That was why pirates often fled from Marine warships even when their top fighters could win. A single unlucky hit could doom their escape.
"I'll join. I've been lying around too long—time to stretch my limbs," Daz Bones said calmly, flexing his blade-like fingers.
"We're coming too," Mr. 5 and Valentine declared in unison. As Rosen's officers, they stood by his side.
"Count us in," Alice and Natalie added.
"We don't need too many—thirty will suffice. Prepare a small boat." Many volunteered, but Rosen kept the team lean.
After selection, the main combatants were Alice, Lisa, Daz Bones, Mr. 5, and Valentine. Law showed no interest, while Robin's eagerness to join surprised Rosen. But given her role as an intelligence officer, he kept her out of the fight.
Lord Hodman focused on boarding the transports, confident that Rosen's elite squad could seize the warships. If they failed, the combined firepower of their pirate ships and transports would suffice—though individually weaker, their numbers could overwhelm.
But Rosen's priority wasn't battle—it was escaping Lantis Island.
---
"Excellent, excellent… You've done splendidly!"
On the luxury ship Rosamala, the Celestial Dragon Saint Desmiere watched gleefully as the two warships sank pirate vessels.
"Lord Desmiere, while these are just small pirate ships, cornered prey may lash out. For safety, we should maintain distance to avoid stray fire," Worend advised cautiously.
"Worend, you worry too much. Look how easily they sank those ships! And who would dare attack me? An Admiral is nearby, isn't he? Keep firing—watching them sink is delightful!"
Worend conceded the point. With two escort warships and an Admiral in proximity, attacking a Celestial Dragon's ship would be sheer folly.
"Continue bombardment."
At his order, the warships unleashed another volley. But this time, one pirate ship turned sharply—knives soared, intercepting and detonating mid-air, while a razor-thin blade sliced through the remaining shells.
"All shots missed—a pirate ship is closing in!" the lookout reported.
"Not a single hit?" The Captain—a Commodore, not an Admiral—frowned. Though unqualified for a top-tier warship, his service to the Celestial Dragons granted him privileges.
"Fire again—aim for that ship!"
Another barrage erupted, but Valentine's weightless arrows and Mr. 5's air bullets intercepted most. He deliberately let one shell hit him, grinning.
"Now that's satisfying."
Rosen observed, letting his crew handle the engagement. Their recent progress showed.
"Commodore, the pirates neutralized our fire! They must have strong fighters aboard!"
"Prepare for close combat!"
The pirate ship closed in rapidly. Though warships, these lacked the firepower and precision of true Buster Call vessels.
"Did I overestimate them?" Rosen mused, disappointed. A seasoned commander would've targeted the fleet, not fixated on one ship.
"Board the warship—end this quickly."
He conjured a sand bridge to the warship's edge. As bullets rained down, Alice and Daz Bones led the charge—one with unpredictable displacement skills, the other impervious to bullets. Mr. 5, Valentine, and twenty elite Lantis warriors followed.
Rosen held back, watching for any hidden threats. If the enemy had a VIP aboard, they wouldn't be reckless enough to lack protection.
(End of Chapter)
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